This MP is a bleeding heart who would describe himself as 'practical' rather than 'new' or 'real' labour. 

He opposed the war on Iraq, not because he's a pacifist, but because the UN inspectors wanted more time. 

He wants to see an equitable education system without selection. In particular, he wants primary education which ensures no one goes on to secondary school without the basic abilities to read, write and count. 

He believes that we should welcome ethnic and religious difference and show greater tolerance of people's faiths.

He believes the value of the NHS can't be measured in statistical information alone and worries that the principle of a universal health service free at the point of use for all is being eroded. 

He opposes ID cards because he can't see how a committed terrorist would be foiled by them. He worries about the erosion of civil liberties in the face of alleged terrorist threats which are never brought to court. 

He's pretty positive about Europe, although wants a more positive lead from the Government. 

He's very worried that people have confused asylum and immigration and wonders if it's possible to have a debate on these topics without race getting involved. 

He worries that we're not doing enough to tackle the issue of climate change and believes we should be doing more to encourage and if necessary, compel people to live greener lives. He wonders whether we have a reliable and accountable system of public transport.

He thinks citizens should make more efforts to be socially responsible by taking an active role in their community and giving generously to charitable causes. 

He's surprised to realise there are so many things he cared about!